Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library discussion

True Grit is the Big Read for February and now availabe to check out at the library and book mobiles I thought I would get a thread started for discussion.

If one of the staff would rather start the discussion I can delete it or someone with superpowers can, and I will not be upset.

I saw the latest version of the movie a few years ago. I have only read the first chapter, but hear the girl's voice in my head as I read. I do worry that it won't be a fast read because I'm reading with that twainy accent.

I read this book a couple of years ago. I liked the old movie with John Wayne, but the remake was really good too. It followed the book more closely than the older version. A very good read if you like westerns. Very well written.

I am not a reader of westerns but find Mattie's voice is unique and clear. I agree I can see the book in my head as I read it.

If you are finding it a slow start - don't worry and keep reading -- the action of the book happens quickly quickly quickly once it starts! This is one of my favorite books and I just re-read it late week (still great!). I am so happy it is a big read because I love the way that other people's experiences and discussion will expand my own enjoyment of the book!!

Mattie's determination and individuality are really admirable! I love the narrative voice of this book, and really got sucked into the story. I'm sure it will ne a re-read. :)

Would you say this book is only for readers of Westerns, or does it have a more universal appeal?
I wouldn't hesitate at all to give it to someone who doesn't like Westerns. The story line is a classic quest type tale, and the characters are definitely memorable. In fact, as I thought about this it is starting to remind me of a fantasy story. Is that too far fetched?

I did the same thing, Melanie. The narrator for the Cohen brothers version of the film was what was running through my head as I read the story.

So has anyone seen both movie adaptations? I've only seen the Cohen Brothers version, not the John Wayne version. Which one do you enjoy more?

I have only seen the Cohen Brothers version. It has been awhile ago, so I could remember the overall idea but not details.

Just finished the book yesterday. I enjoyed it, but it isn't one of my favorites.

I do think having a female voice takes it out of the ususal "western" genre - or at least open more minds to the genre. I would be one that says I don't like "westerns." But if you think about living in Kansas the west in our blood and our history. This is the time after the Civil War and before Industrialization.

It isn't always about train robberies, gun slingers, and cowboys. They are about a time where people were looking for their place in the world, and trying to make a life for themselves. Many tried farming, raising cattle, and maybe even trying to find gold. What draws people to move away from home - opportunity for a better life or escape from their current life? I think the settling of the West is more about the American migration, but many brought their European families for the oppoturnity. Think about how many communities in Kansas we have that have no ethnic diversity - they are Russian, German, Swedish, etc...

We no longer have a place in this world for Rooster Cogburns of the world, and even he was loosing his place in the world. I had been told there are several men in my family that should have been born 100 years ago - this was a back in the 80s for they have all passed away now. How many people are meant to live off the land and have wide open spaces.

This is a part of history many of us tend to skip over. We think more about the Civil War era and then the Gilded Age. Those beautiful silk dresses are much more exciting to see and read about than the new bolt of calico that a Western woman was excited to receive.

However, many of us grew up watching Little House on the Prarie and Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman. Even before Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and the Lone Ranger were popular. Interesting how the modern has a woman's view point - much like True Grit.